The '99 Problems' rhyme-smith, who has never played a public gig in the UAE before, will perform on Friday, November 1 - as revealed by 7DAYS on Sunday.

The concert will be at the du Arena in the capital.

Mike Fairburn, vice president of marketing and communications at gig organisers FLASH Entertainment, said: "Jay Z is an icon. We are absolutely delighted to bring an artist of his quality to the UAE - we've worked hard to bring him here, this has been a four year job.

"He's an absolute quality performer, his shows are unbelievable. Hip hop is probably number one in the UAE - the fans have something to look forward to."